At Wade, we know that our people are the driving force behind every successful project. For Women in Construction Week, we spoke with Clare Davidson - Construction Technical Aauthority (CTA) about her journey in a male-dominated industry and the challenges, the highs, and the lessons learned along the way. 

From helping her dad with DIY projects to leading complex pharmaceutical construction projects, Clare shares how passion, resilience, and mentorship shaped her career. She reflects on the progress women have made in construction, the obstacles that remain, and the importance of leaders “walking the talk” to create inclusive, supportive workplaces for women. 

1. What first drew you to a career in construction? 

At a young age I was always helping my dad, who was a joiner, with work around the house. I enjoyed building, making, and seeing the end result, whether it was a kitchen, a fence, or flat pack MFI furniture. At school, my favourite subject was Technical Drawing which I got top grades for, so I was leaning toward Architecture. However, without the grades I needed in other subjects I looked for other courses in Construction and Design, and found Construction, Design and Management at Robert Gordons University. 

2. Can you share a moment on site that made you feel proud of your role? 

I have had many highlights where my contribution and dedication has been recognised. However, one that always stand out to me was at the beginning of a major offshore topsides hook up project, the project manager, after looking at my CV asked if I would consider moving into a management role on the project. I was so proud to have been recognised and given the opportunity to take a big step in my career. I was on the project right through to first oil and beyond and got great feedback on my performance. 

3. Construction is still a male-dominated industry - what has your personal experience been like? 

There remains a lot of Construction Leaders who don't see the construction environment as a place for women. I have been in positions where I’ve been given all the admin work, assumed to be 'Catering Crew', stared at by men on offshore oil and gas platforms, and had inappropriate comments aimed towards me. Unfortunately, I have left positions due to the treatment I've had. 

4. Have you seen progress for women in construction since you started? Where is change still needed? 

Since starting out my career in 2008, where I was the first female Construction Engineer in the company, I have seen companies making a more conscious effort to promote women in the construction sector. I have had some great mentors and supporters in my career, but they have been the exception rather than the rule. That needs to flip, and the responsibility of that sits with leadership. Leaders should be setting the standard in practice; it’s not just an online course to tick a box. It's calling out inappropriate comments, listening to everyone’s view without the preconceived idea 'she has no idea’, ensure the team you lead follow that example, and when they do not, take action. 

5. What challenges do women in site-based roles commonly face that others might not realise? 

There are many, and in isolation they may seem very minor, but when they are piled up together and repeated time and time again, they do have an impact. Getting PPE which fits properly is a huge challenge, often the smallest jacket size, Gloves, overalls cause more of a risk than they mitigate. 

Being addressed as 'Gents', 'Chaps' or 'boys'. 

In a room full of people, if someone swears, they apologise only to me as the only female. 

Being frequently assumed as being an administrator, and my experience and knowledge dismissed without any consideration. 

6. What practical steps can companies take to attract more women into construction careers? 

Make the environment a safe and inclusive place. There are still a lot of unconscious bias in the industry, from the provision of PPE to procedures referring to roles as gender specific (He/His) and generally using gender specific language. I.e. manpower, man hours etc. For me it’s not just attracting woman to construction but retaining them. 

7. How important are visible role models and mentorship for women entering construction? 

Essential! It is still so rare to see women in leadership roles in general, and even less common in Construction leadership. Women need to see the possibility and view the industry as providing equity. Not only should there be women in construction for woman coming into the industry but for men coming into the industry. The only way we will normalise women in construction is by demonstrating it to all entering the industry. 

8. What strengths or perspectives do women bring to construction teams? 

Personally, I think woman are more inclined to question or challenge the norm and see opportunities for improvement. Possibly women like to talk/think things through before rushing ahead and just doing. In an industry which possess a high risk to workers, this can only be a benefit to safety, productivity, and efficiency. 

9. What advice would you give to women considering a career in construction? 

Don’t let your gender be the thing that holds you back. There's always so much to learn, and knowledge, skills and experience can be gained, in so many different areas. 

There are so many people in the industry who value woman in construction and our input, getting that support and mentorship is priceless. 

10. What would you say to employers who want to build more inclusive site environments? 

Walk the Talk… Inclusivity is more than just a topic in a training course or on an induction. It's ensuring the environment is wholly inclusive; consulting the workforce on improvements and actively implementing them. I have ADHD as well, which I have been told makes me a 'unicorn', and there as so many environments I struggle with anyway. I have had times when the impact of my ADHD has been seen as 'because I'm a woman', which can really damage confidence. 

11. What does Women in Construction Week mean to you personally? 

Women in Construction week makes me reflect on my career. The highs, but more so the lows because that’s when I have, oddly, been at my strongest, wanted to stay resilient and stay in the career I enjoy. 

Women at Wade 

At Wade, we’re proud to celebrate the contributions of women in our team and across the industry. We thank Clare for the challenges she has overcome and are grateful for her determination to continue her career in construction, we truly feel we are reaping the benefits of that decision. 

Women in Construction Week is a reminder that there is still work to do. The industry we work in has challenges, and success doesn’t come from ignoring them. It comes from acknowledging the issues, learning from them, and improving every day. 

By embracing these lessons, supporting one another, and fostering inclusivity, we can build a stronger and fairer industry, one where everyone, regardless of gender, can contribute, grow, and succeed.